Our Little Girl Is Growing Up

"Congratulations! It's a beautiful baby girl"
I still remember feeling awed as I held this little precious gem in my arms. The faint little cry and her beautiful blue eyes staring back at me. I would hold her in my arms forever.

Those beautiful blue eyes just turned 15!
Our little girl has grown to be a beautiful, sincere, respectful, kind, and quite funny young lady. Jeff and I couldn't be prouder.

College, clothes, driving are topics of everyday conversation these days. Even dating has come up a few times (Jeff does not do well with this topic!) Ha Ha...
Before we know it, she'll be driving home from college to visit and introducing us to her new man.

I guess as parents our role is very simple: to raise our children to emulate our standards of respect, values and morality.
This is how they learn they are loved.

We love you with all our heart, baby girl.
Happy 15th Birthday!

Love Mom and Dad

39...Just Another Number

"You're only as young as you feel."
Couldn't agree more.
Everyone asks me how I feel about turning 39. I feel fine (except these darn allergies and asthma). Otherwise, feeling great.

It's true, you know, about that "outer body" experience. I have it all the time.

Even though my body has aged (and boy has it ever!), I don't feel different inside. I still love to watch cartoons, color with my kids and be silly with them, (and still don't have the coordination for sports). I love to laugh, make people smile, and have fun! I just don't feel 39. Whats' that supposed to feel like, anyway?

My parents tried to surprise me once for my birthday. It was my 18th. The backyard filled with family and friends (in New York). By the time everyone realized I had arrived, 10 minutes had passed. For my 39th birthday, it won't be the "number" I remember. Just the surprise...
A BMW waiting for me outside.

Jeff did it. He actually surprised me!
It could have been a 1972 Ford Pinto sitting out there. It wasn't about the car. It was about him. His mission was to surprise me for my birthday-and he succeeded.

Jeff is a considerate and loving person. Always calm, cool and collected (completely opposite from me). When it comes to his family, it means everything to him to make us happy. For this and more, I love him with all my heart and soul.
He can drive me up the wall with gadgets and "ideas" for the house, but when it comes down to it- I wouldn't trade him for all the BMW's in the world!
He's my everything.

Mi Familia

Even though I was born an only child, I was blessed with a BIG beautiful family. My big sister, Carmen, has always been someone I've admired greatly. My lil' sis, Shirley, well, what can I say, she's my Lucy and I'm her Ethel! Both are smart, loving, devoted women who are not only beautiful on the outside but radiate beauty on the inside. Between them I am a proud Aunt of (4) nephews and (3) nieces.

I also have (2) sister-in-laws, Stephanie and Amy, both also so beautiful and loving. Between them (actually only Stephanie) I have (2) beautiful nieces and (1) handsome-of-a-devil nephew. We're still waiting on Amy!

We were so happy to have had them all come visit us here in Charlotte throughout this year so far. It's always a BLAST to spend time together. A minute never goes by without the sound of laughter in the air.

Family means everything to Jeff and me. We teach our girls to always love one another no matter what, to never hold grudges and most important - to be thankful for each other.
We are so very grateful for all our blessings.


Carmen's Crew...missing Rachel :(


My daughter and goddaughter at the No Doubt concert! Great show!!


The Maldonado Crew


The cousins at Discovery Place


Stephanie and Pepaw...finally made it to Charlotte!


4th of July with the NY cousins in Charlotte


Cruisin' with the golf cart


The girls with Princess Mia


BBRRRRR!!!!!!


and everyone knows these two!...love you guys!